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Ranney School Shows Gratitude to Volunteers

After a year of unprecedented contributions from the Ranney School Parents Association (RSPA) and school-wide volunteers, it was only fitting to honor these special members of the Ranney community with the annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. Parents and members of the administration, as well as guests from Monmouth Family and Children Services, gathered in RSPA Panther Hall in late May for the ceremony, which began with a handbell performance by Pre-Kindergarten students and an orchestral performance by Upper School students, including a solo by Jacqueline Lee ’15.

Associate Director of Special Events and Parent Relations Tracy Mutchiga spoke to the audience about the meaning and importance of volunteerism and thanked the volunteers for their generosity throughout the year which, she said, has benefitted students in immeasurable ways.

Following her remarks, Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff addressed the guests. “What you do sometimes cannot be counted,” he said. “It is invisible, yet so valued and it shows in the success of our school.” Dr. Sykoff went on to acknowledge the remarkable school year, comprised of student accomplishments, community service and most of all, Panther Pride. As he discussed the school’s mission-promise (every child will be known and valued), he said “We have reached a new era of volunteerism, and our students are learning that from you. Values are contagious, and with hope in your hearts and a profound vision, all that you have done has helped the dream continue.”

Students from the class of 2020 Shrish Vaidyaselvan and Jatin Nayyar defined community service for the volunteers and spoke about their own efforts in the Lower School. As members of the Community Service Club, the boys enjoyed participating in several community service events this year, such as visiting Kensington Senior Home, holding bake sales to support Project Rebuild and Restore after Hurricane Sandy, and selling flowers to support the Ronald McDonald House.

Liam Fitzmaurice ’17 represented the Middle School, addressing the significance and impact of community service. “The moment when you see a smile on someone’s face after helping them is priceless,” he said. He went on to discuss the increasing involvement in the Middle School, expressing that participants are spending their time wisely and enjoying it.

Student Council President Jordan Hesslein ’13 also shared his reflections on parent volunteers. “I personally would not be as successful without parent volunteers,” he admitted. “They have inspired me to lead and participate in school events. The relationship between students and parent volunteers is symbiotic: they provide students with opportunities and in return the students feel gratification.” Junior Madelaine Young also spoke of her involvement in community service and shared her outlook on volunteerism saying, “time spent giving back is time well spent.”

Board Chair-Elect of Monmouth Family & Children’s Services Dena Reger attended the breakfast along with several members of the organization. Recently, FCS announced that Ranney School and its Parents’ Association would be one of the three honorees at its annual Fall Gala in October 2013. After Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey, the FCS Thrift Boutique in Long Branch was left badly damaged, destroying the interior which included all donated inventory and supplies. RSPA and the group of students in charge of the Rockin’ Angels conducted a school-wide clothing drive to replenish the inventory. Students, administrators, faculty and staff donated thousands of clothing items, enabling the boutique to reopen in February.

“The immediate response of the RSPA and Rockin’ Angels was so very helpful and meant so much,” said Reger in her address. “We are truly grateful for all your school has done for FCS and for the entire community.”

Dr. Sykoff returned to the podium to award the Headmaster’s Medallions for Service, which are presented to members of the Ranney community based on the dedication of time and talents, reaching beyond one constituent group to contribute to the greater Ranney community. The following recipients have gone above and beyond what was asked of expected for his or her commitment to Ranney, always acting in the best interest of the students, faculty and mission of the school and serving as a role model to the community: Karl and Barbara Brand (Karl ’16), John Crilly (Kate ’16, Jack ’19 and Tara ’20), Trish Gioggia (Brandon ’16), Mimi Keenan (Conor ’13 and Shane ’17), Ray and June Moser (Stephanie ’11, Raymond ’15 and Jessica ’19), Bob Parker(Grant ’14 and Dean ’16), Scott and Sharon Woska (Evan ’21 and Jason ’24) and Nancy Young (Madelaine ’14).

After distributing the Headmaster’s Medallions, Dr. Sykoff acknowledged retiring RSPA President Mimi Keenan for her commitment to the school and the RSPA. Mrs. Keenan reflected on the challenges throughout the year that brought the community together and also commended the RSPA and volunteers for successful events such as Fall Festival, the Book Fair, Rock the Runway Fashion Show, Flower Sale, RSPA Panther Ball and the support of our school community during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. “This year, support and friendship were unparalleled in this community. We saw increasing involvement from our students who feel they have a contributing role in our community.”

Mrs. Keenan thanked everyone in the room for their support and announced the newly elected co-presidents of the RSPA, Tom Gavin (Ethan ’19) and Kathy Dodge (Trey ’20). After addressing the attendees for the first time as RSPA Co-President, Mr. Gavin welcomed Mrs. Keenan back to the podium to recognize retiring Executive Board members Ursula Ayers (Noah ’17 and Sophia ’22), Joy Brandt (Leigh ’17 and Elle ’25), Allana Egol (Jacob ’19 and Lily ’22), Mara Kraushaar (Benjamin ’19 and Ryan ’21) and Tina Pflaster (Montana ’13).

Chair of the RSPA Nominating Committee Nancy Young then announced the newly nominated members of the Executive Board, including Nina Batson (Tatiana ’21), Barbara Brand, Joni Charles (Sarah Killian ’18), Trish Gioggia and June Moser.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

We envision Ranney School as a nurturing learning community, in which families, faculty, alumni, and all of Ranney’s constituents collaborate to know and value every child, foster individual talents, sustain powerful connections between children and adults, and graduate resilient, globally-minded citizens.